Short Takes

As the temperatures drop and the lights twinkle a little brighter, we’re reminded of the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, our utility professionals. Whether it’s keeping the heat flowing during a winter storm or restoring power in the middle of the night, you keep our communities running when we need it most. We’re deeply thankful for your dedication, resilience and round-the-clock service. Your work doesn’t stop for snow, ice or holiday weekends—and we see you. But y

When we think about utilities, we often think of infrastructure: power lines, gas meters, water systems. But at the heart of every utility there is something more essential: people . And as winter sets in and energy use spikes, so do the challenges faced by customers who are struggling to keep up. That’s where Utility Customer Assistance programs become more than just a service; they become a lifeline. Across the country, utility companies are rising to the occasion, offerin

New DEADLINE:  January 31, 2026 Great news! We’ve extended the submission deadline for the  Excellence Awards  to give you  more time  to recognize outstanding programs and colleagues. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase excellence across your organization. Submit your Project Applications and your Individual Nominations here:   iucx.org/awards . IUCX will notify the winners in February Thank you for helping us honor the incredible work happening every day. Let’s make this

The 2026 ENGAGE311 Awards brings together the brightest minds and most dedicated professionals in customer service, public engagement and government innovation. As the 311 industry continues to evolve, embracing digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data-driven service delivery, this coming years' awards will recognize the leaders and teams redefining what responsive, citizen-centric service can look like.  Key themes shaping the 2026 nominations include:  AI-po

As the year winds down, the inbox fills with one big question: How can we make the most of our remaining budget? Here’s a thought— spend it on something that will outlast the fiscal year. Registration is now open for the IUCX 2026 Conference , and it’s more than just an event. It’s a launchpad for bold ideas, smarter strategies and meaningful connections across the utility industry. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to invest in professional development, this is it